Diagnostic Code 6210 · 38 CFR §4.87
Chronic otitis externa is a persistent or recurring inflammation and infection of the outer ear canal. Unlike otitis media (which affects the middle ear behind the eardrum), otitis externa affects the skin lining the ear canal itself. Symptoms include swelling of the ear canal, discharge that may be dry and scaly or watery, persistent itching, pain, and a feeling of fullness in the ear. The condition is common among veterans who had repeated water exposure during service (swimming, diving, amphibious operations), those who worked in hot and humid environments, and those who used ear protection that trapped moisture. It can also develop as a chronic problem after ear injuries or surgeries. The VA assigns a single 10% schedular rating for this condition.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Swelling, dry and scaly or serous discharge, and itching requiring frequent and prolonged treatment. This is the only rating level available under DC 6210. The condition must involve ongoing symptoms that need regular medical treatment — not just a single episode that resolved. If the chronic otitis externa has also caused hearing loss, that hearing loss is rated separately under DC 6100. |
ENT treatment records documenting chronic or recurrent outer ear canal infections and inflammation are essential. Records should show the pattern of ongoing symptoms — swelling, discharge, itching — and the treatments prescribed (medicated ear drops, oral antibiotics, cleaning procedures). Photographs of the ear canal during active flare-ups can be helpful. Service treatment records showing ear problems or the environmental exposures that led to the condition (water exposure, humid conditions) establish nexus.
Otitis externa (DC 6210) affects the outer ear canal — the passage from the outer ear to the eardrum. Otitis media (DC 6200) affects the middle ear space behind the eardrum. They are different conditions with different causes and different diagnostic codes. Otitis externa is associated with water exposure and skin irritation, while otitis media involves infection in the enclosed middle ear space.
The maximum schedular rating under DC 6210 is 10%. However, if the condition has caused hearing loss, that can be rated separately under DC 6100. Tinnitus related to the ear condition can also be rated separately at 10% under DC 6260.
Yes, repeated water exposure is one of the most common causes of chronic otitis externa. Veterans who served in roles involving swimming, diving, or amphibious operations, or who trained in hot and humid environments, are at increased risk. Documenting that service exposure is important for establishing the nexus.